A Father’s Most Honest Faith-Confession, Part 1
“…and His (Jesus’) garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them.” Mark 9:3
“And Jesus said to him, ‘If You can!’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying, “I do believe, help my unbelief.”
Mark 9:23-24
In the ninth chapter of Mark’s gospel, you will find Jesus on the mountain and subsequently, in the valley. Mark tells us that on one occasion Jesus took Peter, James, and John high atop a mountain where He was transfigured (transformed) before their very eyes, (See 9:3 above, and verses 2-13 for Mark’s full account.). The wonderful thing about this is that Peter and the sons of Zebedee saw a preview of the coming glory of God made evident through His Son, Jesus Christ inaugurated at His death, resurrection, Ascension, and coming again!
Afterwards, Mark tells us Jesus escorted these disciples down into the valley below where they found a most desperate father in a situation one would label, “As bad as it gets!” They found this man’s son tormented with what could be labeled today as a severe and ongoing case of juvenile epilepsy. The only problem was, his symptoms were induced via an unclean spirit (a demon).
In one of the most beautiful expressions of need regarding faith in the Bible, this father acknowledged Jesus’ ability to heal his son while at the same time spoke openly of the unbelief that struggled with in him as well. Jesus honored the father’s honesty and resurrected not only his son, but I believe, took his mustard seed faith, and fused it with a resurrection power that caused it to begin to grow to new heights within the father’s mind and heart. That day, the crowd and the disciples saw that Jesus was both Lord of the mountain and the valley. Have you been fearful of praying a prayer like this father prayed honestly before the Lord? Don’t be! God had rather you be honest about your struggle with unbelief than not! With God, all things are possible! Pastor Louie